Polarized signaling mechanism.



D. 8. WILSON.

POLARIZED SIGNALING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAYIII I9I7.

Patented Apr. 15,1919.

n M W W VS Im M m 6 DIN! DANIEL S. WILSON, OF WEST SOMERVILIiE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIG-NOR TO SAMSON ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION OF MASSA- CHUSETTS.

POLARIZED SIGNALING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 15, 1919.

Application filedMay 11, 1917. Serial No. 167,895.

. which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawing, is a specification, like characters on the drawing representing like parts. I

This invention relates'to improvements in signaling mechanism and the general object of the invention is to provide a synchronous vibrating signaling device which will be instantly responsive when the desired signal is given and which will be certain and reliable 1n operation.

More specifically the main object of the invention 1s to produce a signaling device,

preferably a horn, operable by' an alternating current, which will be adapted for general-or code signaling and which will instantly produce a desired tone of maximum volume without the picking up which usually attends the operation of signal horns of this character.

Experience has shown that signaling de-. vices, particularly horns operated by, an al-' ternating current, even though carefully tested 'out at the factory before'their installation and also found to operate satisfactorily for a time, have soon developed serious defects such as refusing to start or of stuttering,breaking springs, or getting outof adjustment, so that they can not be depended upon to give instant service. Such defects are of course, fatal in horns which are used for fire signals andother purposes in which .reliability is a prime requisite.

Furthermore, such horns usually require an appreciable period of time to pick up in vibration sufficiently to give the desired sound, and the full volume-of sound. The present invention is designed-to overcome these and other defects and to provide a synchronous vibrating signaling mechanism embodying the principle of'operation by which the signal may be instantly started to produce the desired tone at its maximum volume and which will be instantly stopped upon the interruption of the actuating current.

A further feature of the invention consists in producing a signaling device of this character which will require a minimum amount of energy for its operation.

Another object of the invention is to produce a polarized synchronous vibrating signaling mechanism in which the actuating mechanism comprises permanent magnets with a cooperating armature influenced by an 'alternating current in such a manner that the-action of the alternating current will not de-magnetize the magnets, as inevitably occurs in signaling devices heretofore produced in which an alternating magnetic circuit is included in the series with the magnetic circuit of the permanent magnet.

This is accomplished by providing a plurality of continuous magnetic circuits produced either by permanent or electro-mag- .nets and so disposed relatively to an armature common to the magnets that the magnetic flux produced by an alternating current passing around the armature 1s forced alternately in the direction of the normal magnetic flux of the continuous or permanent magnetic circuits and practically no magnetic flux forced in a direction oppo site to that of either permanent field.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signaling horn mechanism in which two diaphragms may be vibrated with approximately the same current consumption required for one, thus in effect producing two horns capable'of giving double the volume of sound of a single horn at about the expense of one.

Another object of the invention is to produce a signaling horn of the character described in which the diaphragm has a natural period of vibration equal to the number of alternations of the operating current or a perfect multiple of that number. The vibration of the diaphragm thus being in synchronism with the frequency of alternation of the current avoids opposition between the movement of the diaphragm and the mechanism which operates the diaphragm.

The drawings illustrate certain preferred embodiments of my invention as applied to a double signaling horn ada use but particularly designe ing apparatus.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is an elevation partly in section for fire signalted for general showing a; preferred embodiment of my invention as applied to a double signaling horn,

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional View of the magnets and armature on line 22, Fig. 1, 3 is a longitudinal vertical sectionalview of the armature shown in Fig. 1 and,

Fig. 4 is, an elevation of a modified form of signal actuating mechanism, illustration of the horns having been omitted.

The preferred embodiments of my invention illustrated in .the accompanying drawing comprise a polarized synchronous vibrating horn mechanism having permanent magnets with their opposite poles juxtaposed and a common armature located between adjacent poles of said magnet, means being provided for passing an alternating current around said armature in such a. manner as to produce a magnetic flux alternately in opposlte directions so that this flux in cooperation with the magnetic flux of the fields of the magnets will cause a vibration orreciprocation of the armature. This vibration of the armature is transmittedto the diaphragms of oppositely disposed sound projectors.

The magnets are illustrated in the accompanying drawings as permanent magnets but it will be understood that suitable electromagnets may be utilized in the place of the permanent magnets within the meaning and scope of the invention disclosed herein. Certain structural features are common to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings .and like parts will be designated by the same numerals in the structures illustrated in both Figs. 1

V and 4:. J

The actuating mechanism is mounted within a. hollow preferably rectangular metalli-c casing having a bottom 1 and sides 2, 3, 4 and 5 provided with ears 6 for attachment to a suitable base or Wall and a. cover, (not shown). The actuating mechanism comprises a pair of complementary U-sha'ped 4 magnets 7, 8 which aresupported from the bottom 1 of the casing and suitably insulated thereform, the opposite poles of said magnetsbeing juxtaposed so that the north pole N of the magnet 7 is opposite the south ole S of the magnet 8 and the south pole of the magnet 7 opposite the north pole N of plates 12 to act as hammers upon themeans for vibrating the diaphragms of the horn as will hereinafter more fully appear.

The armature is actuated by an alternating current which passes-through a suitable coil 13 surrounding the armature 9, preferably two coils 13, 14, located upon opposite sides of the pivot 10 being provided and these coils wound in such a manner that when the alternating current is impressed upon them trated in Fig. 1 being horn diaphragms 15 disposed upon opposite sides of the casing. The projectors of thehorns may be turned in any direction but as illustrated are directed oppositely. Of course a single horn may be used if desired.

The horns illustrated herein comprise concaved base plates 16, secured to the opposite side walls 2, 3 of the casing and have annular flanges 17 to which complementary concaved plates 18, having flanges 19 are secured by screws 20 or other suitable fastening means. The periphery of the diaphragm 15 may conveniently be clamped between the flanges .17 and 19. The central portion of the plates 18 are provided with outwardly extending flanges 21 to which the smaller ends 22 of the usual projectors 23 of the horns are secured, either permanently or rotatably, so that the same may be disposed in any direction in which it is desirable to project the sound.

Any suitable means may be provided for transmitting the vibration of the armature to the diaphragms, a convenient means which is shown in Fig. 1 comprises rods 2-l rigidly secured to the centers of the diaphragms 15 and pass through apertures 25 in the plates 16 and the adjacent casing walls 2 and 4. Desirably bearings are provided in extensions 26 of brackets or sleeves secured tothe ends of the magnets 7, 8.

The ends of the rods 2-1 desirably are 1W0 vided with hardened heads 28 preferably having curved faces adapted to be struck by the hammer plates 12 of the armature extension 11. v

The armature preferably is so mounted and balanced that its center of percussion is located in the line of impact of the hammer plates 12 with the heads 28, thereby prac- The diaphragms preferably are constructed of such material and are of such'dimen-- sions as to diameter and thickness that the relation of the mass,- the dimensions and the modulus of elasticity of the diaphragms is such as to give thejdiaphragms a natural period of vibration corresponding, or equal to the number of alternations of theoperating current or a perfect multiple of the number of such alternations.

By thus synchronizing the normal vibrations of the 'diaphragm'with the frequency of alternation of the current the resistance of the diaphragms to the impulse produced by the vibrating armature is reduced to a minimum and the maximum vibration of the diaphragms produced with' the least possible consumption of energy. Furthermore, by this synchronism between the diaphragms and the vibrating armature all interference with the normal vibration of the diaphragms is eliminated and consequently a pure tonal vibration of said diaphragm insured.

' In signaling horns actuated by an -alternating current in which permanent magnets have been employed the electro-magnetic circuit has been included in series with the permanent magnetic circuitand as a result of this construction the permanent magnets soon have bec me de-magnetized and the signalnism rendered inoperative. By the present invention a-plurality of permanent as to make it possible for the flux produced by ture north as magnetic circuits are utilized and so disposed the alternating current to alternate first from one permanent magnetic circuit to another so that practically no flux is forced through either permanent magnetic circuit in opposite direction to that of the permanent field.

'T he simpler structure embodying this principle is illustrated in Fig/ 4 in which the magnetic circuit of'one of the magnets is illustrated by a series ofarrows, the flux of the complementarytmagnet being of course, in the opposite direction.

If the momentary direction of'the current is such gas to polarize both ends of the armaindicated, the armature will rotate on a pivot in a clockwise direction and upon reversal of current the armature will be caused to rotate in opposite or counterclockwise direction. This movement of the armature may be caused to impart a vibration to the diaphragm of the horn as above described or to actuate any other desirable type of signal.

By this construction the flux caused by the alternating current'will alternate from one magnetic circuit to the other so that practically no flux will be forced in either the the two permanent tween the pole S- right or left hand circuit in a direction oplposite to that of the-permanent field and t us no de-magnetizing 'upon the permanent magnets, and the reliability of the signaling mechanism will be maintained indefinitely.

effect will be produced This form of construction however, does not give the greatest possible efiiciency, for there is no increase of flux due to the movement of the armature and consequently no increase in pull at the end of the movement of the armature which produces the blow upon. the diaphragm for if the momentary direction of the current is such as to polarize both ends of the armature north and to cause the armature to rotate in a clockwise direction the shortening of the air gap A between one end of the armature and the magnet toward which it approaches is accom-- paniedby a corresponding lengthening of the air gap B at the opposite end of the armature so that the total or resultant airthrough circuits in opposite quadrants as illustrated in Fig. 1. This is accomplished by simplyconnecting the neutral points of magnets with the middle of the armature so that when the current is in a direction to cause both ends of the armature to be north poles the flux' is divided into two separate paths each of which is one half the length of the magnets and armature and located upon diametrically opposite sides of the central pivot 10'. The paths of these magnetic circuits are shown in Fig. 1 by arrows, one path being across the gap A between the armature and the pole S of the magnet 8 andthe other across the gap C beof the magnet 7 and the armature 9. When the current is reversed the flux paths change to the other quadrants of the magnets. It will therefore, be apparent that the working flux due to the alternating current alternates from one magnet to the other in such a manner that the direction of the fiux due to the alternating current is always in the direction of the flux of the permanent magnet and consequently no demagnetizing effect is produced.

Furthermore, in this construction as the air gaps A and C shorten, the flux through the quadrants increases so that an accelerated movement is given to the armature which produces avery strong impact upon the head 28 of the stems which are connected to the diaphragms of the horns.

In producing the construction illustrated in Fig. 1 any suitable type of permanent magnet may 'be utilized and any suitable I ing. T

means employed for connecting the neutral points of the magnets with the central portion of the armature. In'the construction illustrated herein the magnets 7 and 8 are constructed of a series of laminated steel plates which are suitably secured together and sup orted from the bottom 1 of the easlie central or neutral portions of these magnets are connected by cross pieces 31, 32 in which the pivot 10 of the armature is secured.

The armature 9 preferably is of laminated structure being formed of soft iron plates 33 which are connected together at their ends 'b pins 34, 35 and which may conveniently be connected together at their middle by the pivotal support 10. The pivotal support 10 preferably is provided with screw threaded portions 36 to receive nuts 37 which serve the double purpose of clamping the laminae of the armature 33 together and of securing the same to the pivotal post 10.

The ends of the pivotal post 10 may be slightly reduced and mounted in bearings 38 in the cross piece 31, 32.

The coils 13, 14 for the alternating current may be wound on suitable spools 39 having extended bases 40 adapted to be secured to a the cross pieces-31, 32 by suitable screws 41.

By reason of this construction a powerful and eflicient signal actuating mechanism-is provided which is entirely free from springs or other easily breakable parts. By so balancing the armature that its center of gravity is located at its pivot and its center of percussion at the line of impact between the face 12 of the armature and the heads 28 of the diaphragm actuating rods 24, the current consumption required to operate the device is reduced to a minimum and a maximum efficiency obtained.

Furthermore, by reason of the synchronism between the alternation of the current and the normal vibration of the diaphragm a mechanism is provided which will instantly cause the diaphragm to assume its normal rate of vibration and almost inl stantly its maximum amplitude of vibration. While the construction is disclosed herein for operating a signaling device of any desired character the vibrating mechanism is adapted to many other purposes, such for example as for operating a master vibrator for a signaling system or a rectifier for transforming an alternating current to a direct current and various other uses in the art.

It is therefore to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are of an illustrative character and not restrictive and that the following claims are to be given a broad interpretation adapted to coverv any uses to which the invention may be applied as well .as various modifications in form, structure and relation of parts.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is;

1. A polarized synchronous signaling mechanism comprisin a magnet, an armae ture located in proximity to the poles of said magnet, means for producing a magnetic flux in said armature alternately in opposite directions and means for causing said magnetic flux to pass from said armature alternately through the respective poles of said magnet only in the normal direction of the magnetic flux of the respective poles.

2.- A polarized synchronous vibrating signaling mechanism comprising a pair of complementary magnets having-their opposite poles facing one another, an armature reciprocably mounted intermediate of said poles, means for producing a magnetic flux in said armature alternately in opposite directions whereby the same will pass alternately through the respective magnets in the normal direction of the magnetic flux of said magnets to cause a reciprocation of said armature and means operable by the reciprocation of said armature to produce a recognizable signal.

3. A polarized synchronous vibrating'signaling mechanism comprising a pair of complementary magnets having their opposite poles juxtaposed, an armature mounted for i-lateral movement between said. juxtaposed poles, means for passing an alternating current around said armature to cause a magnetic flux through said armature alternately in opposite directions and alternately through the magnetic circuits of the respective magnets in the normal direction of the magnetic flux of said magnets whereby vibration will be transmittedto the armature and means operable by said armature for producing a recognizable signal.

4; A polarized synchronous vibrating signaling mechanism comprising a pair of complementary permanent magnets having their opposite poles juxtaposed, an armature mounted for bi-lateral movement between the juxtaposed poles of said magnets, a fixed coil surrounding said armature, means for passing an alternating current through said coil to cause a magnetic flux through said armature alternately in opposite directions and alternately through the magnetic circuits of the respective magnets in the normal direction of the magnetic flux of said magnets whereby vibration Will be'transmitted to the armature and means operable by said arilnature fo'r producing-a recognizable signa 5. A polarized synchronous vibrating sig naling mechanism comprising a pair of complementary magnets having their opposite poles juxtaposed, an armature pivotally mounted centrally of said magnets for biproduce a recognizable signal.

' through said armature upon either side of the pivot of will be produced and said turning forcesreversed at each alternation of the current, and means operable by the vibration of sa d armature to produce a recognizable signal.

6. A polarized synchronous vibrating signaling mechanism comprising a pair of complementary magnets having their opposite poles juxtaposed, an armature pivotally mounted centrally of said magnets for bilateral movement and extending between said juxtaposed poles, means magnetically connecting the neutral portions of said magnets with the central portion of said armature, means for passing a current around said armature to produce a magnetic flux through the ends of said armature and diametrically. oppositely disposed quadrants of said complementary magnetsto produce a vibration of said armature and means operable by the vibration of said armature to 7. A polarized synchronous vibrating signaling mechanism comprising a, pair of compleme-ntary permanent magnets having their opposite poles juxtaposed, an armature pivotally mounted centrally between said magnets for bi-lateral movement, means magnetically connecting the neutral portion of each magnet with t e central portion of said armature, coils surrounding'said armature upon opposite sides of the pivot of said armature and wound to cause the current passing through the same to produce the same polarity at both ends of said armature,

means for passing an alternating current coils whereby two multiple magnetic circuits, each one-half the length of the magnet, will be produced in diametrically opposite quadrants of said magnets and will be caused to alternate from one pair of quadrants to the other upon each reversal of current whereby the armature will be vibrated and the air gaps between said armature and the magnet poles will be shortened with the movement of the armature and means operable by the vibration of said armature to produce a recognizable signal.

8. A polarized synchronous vibrating horn mechanism comprising a horn having a diaphragm, a pair of complementary magnets having their opposite poles juxtaposed, an armature poles of said magnets, means for passing an alternating current around said armature to produce simultaneously the same polarity in both ends of said armature, means for causing the vibration of said armature to transdiaphragm,

comprising a diaphragm, a blow reciprocably mounted between the mit blows to said diaphragm to produce an audible signal. I

- 9. Apolarized synchronous vibrating horn mechanism comprising a horn having a a pair of complementary magnets having their opposite poles juxtaposed, an armature mounted for bi-lateral movement' between the juxtaposed poles of said complementary magnets, stationary coils surrounding said armature wound to cause a current passed through the same to prov duce the same polarity in both ends of said armature, yoke pieces magnetically connecting the neutral portions of said magnets with the central portion of the armature, means for passing the alternating current through said coils whereby two multiple half-length magnetic circuits will be produced in diametrically opposite quadrants of said magnets and the air gaps between the operating magnet poles and the armature shortened with the movement of the armature and means for causing the vibration of the armature to transmit blows to said diaphragm to produce an audible signal.

10. A polarized synchronous vibrating horn mechanism comprising a pair of horns having diaphragms and means for vibrating said diaphragms including a pair of permanent magnets having their opposite poles juxtaposed, an armature reciprocably mounted intermediate of said magnets, means for passing an alternating current around said armature to create a magnetic flux through said armature and alternately through the oppositely disposed magnets to cause a reciprocation of the armature and means for causing the vibration of the armature to strike blows alternately upon the diaphragms of said horns.

' 11. A polarized synchronous signaling mechanism comprising a vibratory sound producing member, a blow receiving memer therefor, a pair-of complementary magnets having their opposite poles juxtaposed, an armature adapted to impinge upon said blow receiving member pivotally mounted between the poles of said magnet andbalanced to position its center of percussion in the line of impact with said blow receivin'g instrumentality, whereby vibration of the armature from its impact with said blow receiving member will be substantially eliminated and means for producing a magnetic flux in said armature alternately in opposite directions to cause oscillation of.

said armature.

12. A polarized signaling mechanism receiving instrumentality connected to said diaphragm, a pair of complementary magnets having their opposite poles juxtaposed, an armature adapted to impinge upon said blow receiving member'pivotally mounted between the'poles of said magnet and balanced to position its center of gravity at said pivot and its center of percussion in the line of impact With'said blow receiving instrumentality whereby vibration of the armature from its impact With'said blow receiving instrumentality will be substantially eliminated and means for producing a magnetic flux in said armature alternately in opposite directions to cause oscillation of said armature.

13. A polarized synchronous vibrating mechanism comprising a magnet, an armature having its ends located in proximity to the respective poles of said magnet, means for causing a magnetic flux to pass through said armature and one of the poles of said magnet only in the normal direction of the magnetic flux of said magnet to cause a reciprocation of the armature and means for utilizing the vibration of said armature.

14. A polarized synchronous vibrating mechanism, comprising a pair of complementary magnets having their opposite poles facing one another, a member recipprocably mounted intermediate of said poles, means for producing a magnetic flux in said member alternately in opposite directions whereby the magnetic flux of said member in cooperation with the fields of the magnets Will cause a reciprocation ofsaid member and means for utilizing the vibration of said member.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

DANIEL S. WILSON. 

